How great we are

I am going to let the family of a recent high school graduate write most of this column. Nothing I could invent would portray as well the self-centeredness that marks the lives of many in our culture. The names have been changed as a courtesy, though it may be impossible to protect this attention-seeking family from itself. Here is the ad they placed in the community newspaper: Congratulations Margaret Standford on being valedictorian of Murphyville High School. From: your parents, Drs. John and Thelma Standford, and sister Mary-Ellen.

The ad went on: What is Margaret going to be? Ans: Double-majoring to be a ‘doctor’ . . . Fall 2004—going to Central State University. Attending Warren Beecher Honors Science College . . . . 1 of 10 students accepted into medical school from high school